I used to have waist-length, 3A hair. I never did anything to it. Most days the only things that touched it were shampoo and conditioner, and a towel for about 30 seconds. It looked good every day.

Now, it's to my collarbone at the longest part, after cutting off chemical damaged parts, and the curl is pretty much gone. I do a lot more to it, although I've tried leaving it completely alone like I used to, and I am getting nowhere. It's very wavy, almost curly like it used to be, when wet or just dried. After a couple of hours, it's nearly straight, with a random tiny spiral here and there. I flat-ironed it every day for about a year... is it possible I've killed the curls?

I live in a much drier climate now than I used to, so I use more conditioner. I thought maybe that was the problem, it being weighed down, but I've cut back and seen no change other than extra frizz, so I went back to my normal amount.

I haven't started CG just yet (waiting for money to replace stuff with!), but for right now I've been using Herbal Essences Totally Twisted--shampoo (every three days), conditioner (every day), and mousse, along with their heat protection spray when I diffuse, and Infusium 23 for a leave-in. It feels nice, but looks awful.

I'm about to rip it all from my head in frustration. Or start ironing again, but I'd really rather not, as it takes way too long and very loose waves start to come back by the end of the day, anyway.

ETA: Yes, I know this I posted this in 2, because that's what my hair seems to be these days. I'm fine with whatever it wants to do, but I do miss my curls and the waves that I only see for a little bit every day.

There are quite a few things going on here. First of all, damage can always be the culprit and is usually the reason for curls straightening out. A drier climate can also change your curls behavior, including an increase in frizz and decrease in curl. Make sure you don't use humectants (glycerin, propylene glycol, honey, etc.) while in a dry climate because it will draw moisture out of your hair and into the air causing dryness and frizz. Lastly, it is common for 3a hair to lose some curl when it is cut short, opposite of most hair types. This isn't true for everyone, but it is the case for me as well. Almost like cutting off the curl because when it is longer, the curl has more area to develop if that makes sense. The curly girl method should definitely help though. I would highly recommend it. But it doesn't have to be expensive! There are plenty of drugstore CG products!

Try to find a lightweight, but strong hold gel for definition. I would recommend one from the LA Looks brand in holds 8-10. There are a few.

There are quite a few things going on here. First of all, damage can always be the culprit and is usually the reason for curls straightening out. A drier climate can also change your curls behavior, including an increase in frizz and decrease in curl. Make sure you don't use humectants (glycerin, propylene glycol, honey, etc.) while in a dry climate because it will draw moisture out of your hair and into the air causing dryness and frizz. Lastly, it is common for 3a hair to lose some curl when it is cut short, opposite of most hair types. This isn't true for everyone, but it is the case for me as well. Almost like cutting off the curl because when it is longer, the curl has more area to develop if that makes sense. The curly girl method should definitely help though. I would highly recommend it. But it doesn't have to be expensive! There are plenty of drugstore CG products!

Try to find a lightweight, but strong hold gel for definition. I would recommend one from the LA Looks brand in holds 8-10. There are a few.

Originally Posted by JessiiLeighh

Thanks! That actually makes sense, about cutting off the curl. In high school, I was forced to cut it to about three inches all over, and I expected to look like a poodle, but that was actually the only time I ever had straight hair, until it grew back out.

I actually have no money for new products, as my bf won't let me buy anything until I've used up my most recent purchases. I have a cabinet full of half-full bottles, things I've tried in the past year. Maybe there's something in there I can use?

I have leftover:

Suave Professionals Sleek shampoo

L'Oreal EverPure Color Care shampoo and conditioner (but not much of it), and the leave in conditioner... I'm thinking I should switch back to that, but I hate the smell lol

Vo5 Moisture Milks Passionfruit s&c, but they're old and the conditioner is separating (should probably throw that out...)

We discussed it and I'm going to go buy some Suave Naturals later. I checked out all my bottles and this Silkience stuff I bought at Dollar Tree seems like it might be OK for rinse out, but I'll double check before I go to the store. The leftover gel (an almost full 40oz tub!) says it's alcohol free so maybe I'll try it again.
I understand his point, though. I've spent about $100 on drugstore products in the last month while I tried to begin sorting out the mess that is my hair ..

Also buy a cup of flax seeds from the bulk bin at a natural foods store. It'll be pennies. Make you own FSG for clumping and definition. Top that with something like th LA gel. You'll probably get some pretty good hair for cheap.

Lastly, it is common for 3a hair to lose some curl when it is cut short, opposite of most hair types. This isn't true for everyone, but it is the case for me as well. Almost like cutting off the curl because when it is longer, the curl has more area to develop if that makes sense.

Originally Posted by JessiiLeighh

I was going to suggest the same thing. When I got married in 2005 I had grown my hair out past the bra line, and I had lovely 3a curls. While on my honeymoon, the amount of hair was too much for me in the heat and humidity so I cut it down to just above shoulder length and it changed to 2a/2b! I was so upset, lol.

I'm growing it back out now and have just switched to CG in the past month. Already I'm starting to see better defined curls in the under layer, though the canopy is refusing to cooperate so far.

My hair is that way now. The bottom layer is where all my pretty spirals are hiding. It almost makes me want to dig out my barrettes and clips so I can put the top half up and let them show.

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Originally Posted by darkqueene

That is basically what I do. I start out everyday with my hair down but when I scrunch out the gel the top layer goes frizzy and straight. At that point it pull the top half of my hair up in a small bun!

I went and got some more cheap conditioner today, so I have two Dollar Tree brands to play with, and they both smell awesome, which is a big deal for me. Throwing away most of the leftovers, but I'll keep a couple of things in case I absolutely need them. I'm glad the L'Oreal is OK to use, because ya just never know how my hair is going to react to no shampoo. I've been diluting the HE stuff for awhile, though, so maybe that'll help ease me into it.

Yay about the gel! That is a freaking massive tub of it that my bf bought before he cut off all his hair, so if I don't use it, no one will.

I'm going to give the gel another shot today, so maybe I'll post a pic. Sometimes I just like my camera a little too much lol

Question... If I diffuse on low heat, do I need heat protection? I have trouble not touching it while it's wet, so the quicker it dries, the better, but all my heat sprays seem to be loaded with cones...